Sass in the City returns to downtown Three Rivers next week
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — The annual “ladies’ night out” in downtown Three Rivers will take place once again next week.On Friday, Aug. 1, the Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority will hold the annual Sass in the City…
Coleman resigns from Road Commission board
Resignation comes amid allegations of ‘bashing’ county commissioners in online comments By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — St. Joseph County Road Commission board member Jack Coleman resigned from his position Friday following a Wednesday, July 16 agency meeting in which…
‘Toy Run’ gets rebrand, but primary charitable focus remains intact
By Dennis Volkert After a gap of several years, a longtime tradition resurfaced July 19 with “Route 12 Toy Run.”The 2025 run began at Route 12 Harley-Davidson on U.S. 12 and White School Road. The parade of riders continued into…
Man arrested in Sturgis after barricading in home
STURGIS — A domestic violence call in Sturgis turned into a situation involving a barricaded man Tuesday night.According to the Sturgis Department of Public Safety, officers were called to the 300 block of West Jerolene Street for a domestic assault…
Mike’s Musings: “Pay It Forward” Is a Powerful Idea Worth Embracing
In a world often overshadowed by cynicism, economic struggle, and divisive headlines, the simple idea of “paying it forward” offers a powerful counterbalance. It’s a concept built on selflessness—doing something kind for someone else without expecting anything in return, trusting…
Out and About: Women, cardio, and walking
There is not a book that explains everything a man must know in order to better understand women. We must continue to learn from experience, or listen to a person who has dealt with the fairer sex longer than you…
Graber, Nash to share leadership at Norton Elementary
District to continue ‘conversation’ about Norton’s future as initial elementary enrollment decreases By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Two Three Rivers Community Schools administrators will be sharing leadership duties at Norton Elementary in what the school board says is…
Heritage Festival takes center stage in Burr Oak
By Steve Eldridge “A More Perfect Union” is the theme for the 2025 Burr Oak Heritage Festival, which is scheduled to kick off next Thursday July 24. The festival, which has always proved to be a big draw for the…
White Pigeon celebrates annual festival
On Friday, July 11, the White Pigeon Days festival held its annual street parade on U.S. 12 in the village. At left, Citizens of the Year Kelly (left) and Brian Bailey (right) ride by in a golf cart during the…
‘Color Run’ draws about 150 participants
By Dennis Volkert The third “Color Run” took place July 11 in downtown Sturgis, organized by Doyle Community Center. The event included 1-mile and 3-mile routes. Participants could run or walk. At several sites along each route was a “color station,”…
Mike’s Musings: It’s Time for the Fed to Lower Interest Rates – Before It’s Too Late
The Federal Reserve has done its job. Inflation, which recently reached its highest point in forty years, has gradually moderated. The labor market, while still resilient, shows signs of softening. Consumer confidence is shaky, small businesses are tightening their belts,…
Centreville-Constantine/Lutz intersection to receive roundabout
Road Comm.: Centreville-Constantine/Lutz roundabout to make intersection safer By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Since its creation, Centreville-Constantine Road has been a heavily-traveled thoroughfare in St. Joseph County, running diagonal from, fittingly, Centreville to just east of Constantine. However, that…
Resurfacing begins on U.S. 12 Jacob-to-Maple segment in Sturgis
Beginning July 14, Michigan Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing of U.S. 12 in downtown Sturgis, from Jacob Street to South Maple Street. Paving takes place from evening until early morning, 7 p.m.-7 a.m., to reduce interruption of daytime traffic…
BHSJ outlines plans, strategies with program to reduce crashes involving Amish
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — According to Michigan State Police’s traffic crash reporting system, at least 78 of the 261 known crashes involving the Amish community in the state between 2016 and 2023 have been reported in St. Joseph,…
Bid for contaminant testing at jail, Animal Control to be considered by St. Joseph County
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Recent detection of a harmful substance in the ground at two locations in Centreville is prompting St. Joseph County officials to consider a bid to test the county jail and Animal Control buildings for…
Out and About: Lake life, open house, and parades
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” -Robert Louis StevensonThe Fourth of July weekend is now in the history books and the local lakes are now resting from all the busy…
Independence Day celebrations bring patriotism, family fun to local area
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — The 249th birthday celebrations for the United States were very much well-attended in a number of local municipalities.On July 4, three local communities held celebrations for Independence Day that brough crowds from all around…
Sturgis Fest: Chamber director reflects on week, looks ahead to ’26
By Dennis Volkert Sturgis Fest 2025 wrapped June 28.It was the festival’s 13th year.As a recap and look-ahead, Kari Hatt, executive director at Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, took part in a Q&A with Sturgis Sentinel, to reflect on this…
Congress School receives recognition on ‘inclusive playgrounds’ list
Congress School in Sturgis was named to Soliant Health’s “10 Best Inclusive School Playgrounds in America.”Congress School is one of six elementary schools in Sturgis to receive an inclusive playground, with help from a community-supported bond passed in 2019.Each playground…
